How a Diesel-Electric Locomotive Works

A diesel locomotive is a mobile electric power plant: the diesel engine produces power that is converted into electricity and delivered to traction motors.

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Horsepower vs. Tractive Effort

Horsepower and tractive effort describe different parts of locomotive performance, which is why horsepower alone does not tell you how much a train can pull.

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Locomotive Wheel & Axle Arrangements

Wheel and axle arrangements help identify locomotives and show how designers balanced traction, weight, speed and track requirements.

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How a Freight Train Is Put Together

A freight train is carefully assembled around destination, weight, length, braking, train forces, operating rules and the route ahead.

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Railroad Couplers and Draft Gear

Couplers connect railcars while draft gear and train-handling practices manage the enormous pulling, pushing and impact forces traveling through a train.

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Railroad Yards and Switching

Railroad yards sort cars, build trains, service equipment and connect local industries with the larger rail network.

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Railroad Signals and Train Control

Signals and train-control systems help keep trains separated and communicate how crews may proceed across the railroad.

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How Freight Cars Are Loaded and Unloaded

Freight-car designs reflect the cargo they carry and the safest, fastest way to load, protect and unload it.

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